The IELTS writing test includes two writing tasks. While the first writing task is different based on whether you are taking the academic test or general training one, writing task two is the same in the two of them. And, this article focuses on writing task two.

Here is a sample from Cambridge 18, test 1.

You are asked to write at least 250 words. But in reality, you should write a minimum of 270 words and a maximum of 300 words. This is why you usually spend more time on task two than you do on task one. Whereas the question recommends 40 minutes, with continuous practice you could finish it in 35 minutes, leaving 5 minutes to proofread what you have written. 

There are plenty of resources here that could help you out with achieving the highest score possible. 

As I always explain, the IELTS bands are based on CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages), so band 7 is the C1 level of proficiency in the English language. And, traditionally, it is the least requirement for immigration and studying abroad applications. Hence, my goal is to create content for writing task two, providing you with the proper free education to achieve the target band. 

Remember that task two weighs double task one. This means that if you achieve band 7 in task one and band 5.5 in task two, the overall band is 6. (5.5+5.5+7 divided by 3) 

There are four criteria that are used to assess your writing, and these are as follows:

Task response: this evaluates how developed your writing is

Coherence and cohesion: this refers to how well your ideas are organized and connected

Lexical resource: this assesses whether you use a wide range of vocabulary or repeat the same words. It also evaluates your vocabulary level whether it is advanced, at a C1 or C2 level, or not.

Grammatical range and accuracy: clearly, producing error-free sentences with complex structures can effect a significant change in your score.

For more details, check out the tables below. (The actual band descriptors version that examiners use to evaluate our essays is confidential, but this public version below is sufficient.)

There are four main types for the writing task two questions. Many teachers divide them into more categories; however, four types that different questions fall under their umbrella is less confusing. Let me show you how.

1. Opinion Essays

• The most important aim of science should be to improve people’s lives. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? (Cambridge 18, test 1)
• In many countries around the world, rural people are moving to cities, so the population in the countryside is decreasing. Do you think this is a positive or a negative development? (Cambridge 18, test 3)
• In many countries, people are now living longer than ever before. Some people say an aging population creates problems for governments. Other people think there are benefits if society has more elderly people. To what extent do the advantages of having an aging population outweigh the disadvantages? (Cambridge 18, test 4)
• Being a celebrity, such as a famous film star or sports personality, brings problems as well as benefits. Do you think that being a celebrity brings more benefits or more problems?

2. Discussion Essays  

• In some countries, children are often told that they can achieve anything if they try hard enough. What are the advantages and disadvantages of giving children this message? (Cambridge 15, test 4)
• In some countries, the average weight of people is increasing and their levels of health and fitness are decreasing. What do you think are the causes of these problems and what measures could be taken to solve them? (Cambridge 8, test4)

3. Discussion-opinion Essays

• Some university students want to learn about other subjects in addition to their main subjects. Others believe it is more important to give all their time and attention to studying for a qualification. Discuss both views and give your opinion. (Cambridge 18, test 2)

4. Two-part Question Essays

• In some countries, more and more people are becoming interested in finding out about the history of the house or building they live in. What are the reasons for this? How can people research this? (Cambridge 16, test 1)
• Some children spend hours every day on their smartphones. Why is this the case? Do you think this is a positive or a negative development? (Cambridge 17, test 2)

One of the two questions can ask for your opinion, so you have to provide your opinion in body paragraph one in this case. 

Key Tips for Scoring Band 7+

#1 Read the prompt (question heading) carefully and decide which type of question it is before you start writing. This is because there are different ways to structure your response based on which type of question it is.

The main regular structure is the following:

   1. introduction paragraph

   2. body paragraph one

   3. body paragraph two

   4. conclusion paragraph

So, what you change is what is included in each paragraph.

#2 When you read the question, take your time planning your answer. The rush could cause you not to address the question precisely and go off-topic. This tiny mistake can cost you a lot.

#3 The development and progression of your ideas throughout the essay is as crucial as your correct use of vocabulary and grammar while writing. So, when you prepare for the test, you should spend some time studying the general topics that may be of general interest such as global warming, education, and science. So, while practicing, study the topics in hand, and look for information on different topics as they can be repeated in the actual test.

#4 Don’t depend only on memorized vocabulary and phrases. if you write advanced vocabulary with poor grammar, examiners will see through that, and deduct marks from you. This causes your essay to look mechanical rather than natural. So, put in the effort and study in order to advance your writing skills instead of focusing on the band.

#5 When you want to work on your writing of a specific genre, you should read lots of examples of that specific genre. This means that you have to read and get much exposure to the writing task 2 band 7+ model answers if you want to grasp its essence. (Similarly, if you want to work on speaking, you should listen more.)

#6 Task two equations are derived from academic content such as scientific magazines, research papers, and studies. So, sources such as the news, documentaries, and scientific research studies could be of good use to you while preparing for the test.

#7  Brainstorming ideas is pivotal; however, you should commit to one controlling idea per paragraph. 

#8 Keep your writing clear, and easy to follow.

#9 Under no circumstances should you copy the prompt. You should always use synonyms and paraphrasing techniques. 

#10 Only in a “to what extent” question you could add one extra point to the prompt as the question asks to what extent. You should never do that with any other question type.